The Travel Kinship Video Library

The Dolomites give a classic Italy trip something it often lacks: space, mountain air and time to slow down. In this Travel Kinship webinar, recorded on 12 November 2026, Giulia Olivetti, Head of Sales at Dragonfly Tours, and co founder Francesca Rinaldi show travel buyers where to stay, when to go and which experiences suit which clients, followed by one of the busiest live Q&As we have hosted.

Connect me with Dragonfly Tours

What you will learn

• Why a few nights in the Dolomites between Venice and Florence changes the rhythm of a classic Italy itinerary

• How the mountains differ by season, from summer hiking and lakes to autumn colour, winter skiing and a quieter spring based in Bolzano

• Which base suits which client: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Ortisei, Val Pusteria and the Alpe di Siusi

• Signature experiences, from stargazing with an astronomer and a First World War history hike to bike tours, via ferrata and a gourmet ski safari

• How hiking works for every fitness level, with cable cars and jeep transfers so families can meet for lunch at the same mountain hut

• Logistics that matter: arrival airports, driving times between valleys and how many nights to plan

• A sample itinerary combining Lake Garda, the Dolomites and Sardinia

Planning the Dolomites: key questions answered

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a year round destination, and each season gives a different trip. Summer is for hiking, mountain lakes and cycling, and offers cooler air than Italy's cities. Autumn brings warm colours, quieter trails and much the same activities as summer. Winter means skiing, snowy villages and alpine wellness, even for clients who do not ski. Spring is a transition season when some hotels, restaurants and cable cars are still closed, so Giulia suggests basing clients in Bolzano and South Tyrol then.

How many nights should clients spend in the Dolomites?

At least three nights, ideally four or five. The area is large and mountain roads are slow, so Dragonfly Tours plans fewer moves and chooses the base around the experiences each client wants, rather than sending them back and forth by car.

Which Dolomites base suits which client?

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most glamorous, with boutiques, restaurants and a pedestrian centre, and suits clients who love places like St. Moritz or Aspen. Alta Badia, with Corvara and San Cassiano, is about understated luxury and fine dining, ideal for food loving couples. Ortisei in Val Gardena gives easy cable car access to Seceda. Val Pusteria suits wellness lovers and families who enjoy nature, and the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high alpine pasture, is the place to slow down.

How do the Dolomites fit into a wider Italy itinerary?

They work beautifully between the busy art cities. Giulia suggests a few peaceful mountain days between Venice and Florence or Rome, so clients see the classics without rushing. For clients flying into Venice and out of Milan, Cortina is about two hours from Venice, and Lake Garda sits on the way west.

Who is the ideal Dolomites client?

Many different travellers: couples and honeymooners, multigenerational families, food and wine lovers and wellness travellers. Giulia's advice is that clients do not need to love mountains, they need to appreciate beautiful experiences. Often the perfect Dolomites client is someone who would never have booked a mountain holiday until their advisor showed them what it offers.

Questions advisors asked Giulia and Francesca

Can Dragonfly Tours arrange farm lunches and hikes between mountain huts?

Yes. Beyond the experiences shown in the webinar, Dragonfly Tours has a large portfolio in the Dolomites and can build in requests like a lunch at a mountain dairy farm or a hike between huts. As mountain huts are simple places to stay, most of their clients prefer day hikes from a comfortable base such as Cortina, ending with lunch at a hut.

Does Dragonfly Tours run fam trips for travel advisors?

Yes, usually once or twice a year, and they often include lesser known destinations such as the Dolomites. Travel Kinship will share details of any 2027 Dolomites fam trip and how to apply.

Can clients who do not ski enjoy the Dolomites in winter?

Absolutely. Gourmet experiences, winter walks, snowshoeing and wellness keep non skiers busy, and they can meet skiing family members for lunch on the mountain. For beginners who do want to ski, Ortisei is a good choice.

Which Dolomites areas should clients flying into Venice and out of Milan combine?

Dragonfly Tours recently planned exactly this: a transfer from Venice to Cortina, four nights in Cortina, four in Ortisei, then a couple of nights at Lake Garda, with a final night in Milan before the flight. For wine lovers, Franciacorta fits neatly into the same route.

Does Dragonfly Tours have a minimum spend, and can advisors book hotels themselves?

There is no minimum spend, and booking hotels through Dragonfly Tours is not compulsory. Advisors can book the hotels themselves and ask Dragonfly Tours to look after the land arrangements, guides, activities and logistics.

Which towns are best for restaurants and shops with easy mountain access?

Cortina and Ortisei. From Cortina's centre, clients can walk about ten minutes to a cable car or start a bike tour straight from town. In winter, Corvara and San Cassiano are the easiest bases for skiers, with direct access to the slopes.

How many nights do clients need for a post cruise stay from Venice?

Four nights is the minimum Dragonfly Tours recommends. The drive takes between an hour and a half and three hours depending on the area, and clients need time to enjoy it and rest before flying home.

Are the Dolomites crowded in peak season?

August is the busiest month, and the morning cable cars can be fuller. But once people set off on the trails at their own pace, clients meet very few others while walking.

Is there an age limit for children on e bikes?

It depends on the child's confidence on a bike rather than a set age. Giulia advises parents to let children try first and judge whether they are comfortable. Some easier via ferrata routes suit confident children from around eight to ten years old, with a professional mountain guide.

How long are the drives between activities in the Dolomites?

Most activities are 30 to 40 minutes' drive from the hotel, and some start right in town with no car needed. Dragonfly Tours plans each day around the nearest experiences for the season and the base.

Should clients rent a car to travel between Dolomites villages?

For a stay of three or four days with everything planned, Dragonfly Tours does not recommend self drive, as winter roads can be snowy. A car can make sense for clients staying a week or more, or at a remote resort such as Forestis where they will want to go out for dinner.

Which Dolomites hotels are most family friendly?

Many, as the Dolomites are a classic family destination for Italians too. The team highlighted Cavallino Bianco in Ortisei, a hotel designed entirely around children, down to a small concierge desk with steps so children can reach it.

What happens if something unexpected comes up while clients are travelling?

Each advisor works with one named Dragonfly Tours travel designer, and that same person looks after the clients on the ground, reachable by WhatsApp or iMessage. Each designer looks after only a handful of travelling clients at once, so they know every detail of the trip, from allergies to mobility needs.

About Dragonfly Tours

Dragonfly Tours is a family led boutique luxury DMC based in Rome, designing tailor made journeys across the whole of Italy for more than 15 years. Its all Italian team of 14 gives each advisor one named travel designer, and clients have one provider, one payment method and one cancellation policy for every region. Long standing relationships with family run suppliers shape every itinerary, from the classic cities to lesser known regions like the Dolomites. Discover Dragonfly Tours or contact Travel Kinship for an introduction.

Full Transcript

Kelly: My name is Kelly Tolliday, and I'm the Managing Director of Travel Kinship. We are a global representation company connecting travel advisors with exceptional locally led DMCs and boutique nature based properties. We currently represent ten DMCs around the world and five nature based properties, so please head over to our website to learn more about our collection.

But today we are introducing Dragonfly Tours. We have Francesca Rinaldi, the co founder, and Giulia Olivetti, the Head of Sales at Dragonfly Tours. They are a family led boutique DMC based in Rome, with a dedicated team of 14. You're going to learn all about their philosophy of building itineraries for the Dolomites, but they really love the lesser known corners of Italy, the artisan encounters, and family owned, locally run places to stay and things to experience.

Today we are discussing all about the Dolomites, which has been gaining a lot of popularity over the years. You'll get an insider's look at the region and its villages, and at how to create exceptional journeys through one of Italy's most spectacular regions across the seasons. The Dolomites are a year round destination, with lots of activities for every season. So I'm going to let Francesca and Giulia take it over. If you have any questions during the webinar, please use the questions box, and I promise we'll have time at the end for a Q&A. We'll make sure we connect you with Giulia and Francesca and answer your questions at the end. All right, take it away, ladies.

Francesca: Hi everybody. It's so lovely to have you here, and I hope you will enjoy this little journey with Giulia and Dragonfly Tours in the Dolomites.

Giulia: Hi everyone, I am Giulia, the Head of Sales here at Dragonfly Tours, where I've been working for the past ten years. Thank you so much for joining us today. We are going to discover one of Italy's most spectacular destinations, and one of my favourites in Italy: the Dolomites.

But before we start, let me tell you why I think this destination deserves your attention. We all know how popular Italy is, especially Rome, Florence, Venice and of course the Amalfi Coast, and we love that. But let's be honest, sometimes Italy can be a little too crowded and overwhelming. So imagine offering your clients something completely different: a few days surrounded by mountains, fresh air, beautiful hotels, great food and wellness. Today I'd like to give you some inspiration, but also practical tips to help you sell this destination better. Don't worry, this won't be a geography lesson.

Before we begin, just a few words about Dragonfly Tours. We are an Italian DMC specialising in luxury tailor made travel throughout Italy. We have been in business for 15 years, almost 16, and we have two offices: an operational office in Rome, where all the team is, and an administrative office in Los Angeles, because most of our market is in the US. We have a trust bank account in the US, so your clients can pay directly in US dollars.

After ten years working with travel advisors, there's one thing I've learned: a great itinerary is not just about choosing beautiful hotels and experiences. It's about making everything work together seamlessly, and that's where having a trusted local DMC really makes a difference. With us, you have one single provider for all the regions of Italy, one payment method and one cancellation policy, so you don't have to put together different local DMCs with different layouts and different payment methods.

And since we really care about the relationship, we always try to assign one of the travel designers here in our Rome office to each of you. You can build a relationship with this person, and after a few months working together you can close files and bookings very quickly, because your travel designer will know exactly what you like in terms of hotels and the activities you like to propose to your clients. Of course, we know the destinations, the suppliers, the logistics and all those little details that can completely change a trip, and we are in the same time zone to support your clients during their journey.

Today we are going to explore the Dolomites, here in northern Italy. Let's move to the mountains. I will start from Cortina d'Ampezzo and go west from there, through Val Pusteria, Alta Badia, Val Gardena and the Alpe di Siusi, our favourite destinations in the Dolomites.

So the big question: why the Dolomites? First of all, the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with extraordinary landscapes, charming villages and amazing luxury hotels. But I think their real value for your clients goes a bit beyond the scenery, because they offer something that is becoming really precious in travel: space, nature and time to slow down.

Imagine a classic Italian itinerary. I'm sure you sell lots of these: Rome, Florence, Venice. They are incredible cities, of course, but they also mean busy streets, museums and a lot of sightseeing. Now imagine adding four nights in the Dolomites between Venice and Florence. Suddenly the whole rhythm of the trip changes. Your clients can enjoy the beauty of Italy without feeling they have to rush from one attraction to another. That's what I call a well balanced itinerary: a little culture, a little adventure, beautiful hotels and, of course, time to relax. And since we are in Italy, excellent food is always part of the experience.

One important thing to remember is that the Dolomites are truly a year round destination, but every season offers a very different kind of experience. Summer is fantastic for hiking, exploring beautiful mountain lakes, cycling and all kinds of outdoor activities. It's also a wonderful escape from the heat of Italy's bigger cities, with fresh mountain air and cooler temperatures.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit, especially for those who appreciate nature, photography and a slower pace of travel. The mountains turn into a palette of warm colours, with spectacular foliage and a much quieter atmosphere than the busy summer months. The activities are much the same as in summer, so it's normally really appreciated by our clients.

Then of course we have winter, which is all about skiing, snow activities and that magical alpine atmosphere. But remember that your clients don't have to ski to enjoy the mountains, because the Dolomites are also about charming mountain villages, cosy restaurants, beautiful snowy landscapes and an incredible wellness experience. Imagine relaxing in an outdoor heated pool surrounded by snow covered peaks and breathtaking views. That's an experience in itself.

Spring, on the other hand, is a little trickier, because it's a transition season. Many mountain hotels, restaurants and cable cars may still be closed or not yet fully operating. That said, spring can absolutely offer some lovely opportunities, particularly for relaxation and wellness. If your clients are considering travelling then, I would suggest focusing on the South Tyrol area, especially Bolzano. Bolzano is a lively city all year round, so it's not simply a holiday destination. It's a place where visitors can experience everyday life in the mountains, meet the locals, discover the food culture and enjoy beautiful surroundings without depending too much on seasonal mountain facilities.

So as you can see, every season offers a distinct type of experience and every area has its own personality, and that's exactly why local knowledge makes such a difference. Knowing the destination means knowing where to send your clients, when to send them and how to make sure they get the very best from their stay.

Another big question is: who is the ideal client for the Dolomites? Actually, many different types of travellers. For couples and honeymooners, you have romantic hotels, private experiences and of course beautiful views. For families, there's nature, cable cars, easy hikes and activities that different generations can enjoy together. For food and wine lovers, you have excellent restaurants, regional wines and really fascinating local traditions. And for wellness travellers, some of the hotels are a destination in themselves.

There's something I always like to point out. You don't need a client who loves mountains. You need a client who appreciates beautiful experiences. Sometimes the perfect Dolomites client is someone who would never think of booking a mountain holiday until you show them what the destination can offer, and that's where you, as a travel advisor, have the opportunity to surprise them.

Now let's talk a bit about logistics, because this is where planning becomes particularly important. The Dolomites cover a vast area and can be reached from several high speed train stations and airports, so choosing the right arrival airport and hotel location can make a huge difference to travel time and the overall experience. But remember, mountain roads aren't always fast, and we don't want your clients spending half their holiday in a car, even a super comfortable Mercedes. This is why we generally suggest staying at least three nights, ideally four or five, and we carefully select the right base depending on the experiences the client wants. Sometimes the most famous hotel isn't necessarily the best choice for a specific itinerary. Our job is to make the trip beautiful, but also practical and comfortable.

Now let's talk about something I know everybody here loves: beautiful hotels. The Dolomites have some extraordinary luxury properties, but as a DMC we don't start by asking which is the most expensive hotel. We start by asking what kind of experience your client wants. A lively mountain village? Complete privacy? An incredible spa? Easy access to outdoor experiences? These details really make the difference. So let's look at a few examples, so I can describe the destinations better.

Let's start with Cortina d'Ampezzo, which we like to call the queen of the Dolomites. I would describe Cortina as the most glamorous and fashionable destination in the area. Here your clients can enjoy beautiful hotels, elegant boutiques, great restaurants and a lively town centre with a pedestrian area. But there's also incredible nature, with some of the best activities around places like the Cinque Torri and the Lagazuoi, where you can combine spectacular views and hikes with fascinating First World War history. Cortina is ideal for clients who love luxury shopping and good restaurants but also want amazing outdoor experiences, and it's great for families. Think of clients who love St. Moritz or Aspen but want to discover the Italian version.

Now let's move to Alta Badia. If Cortina is all about glamour, Alta Badia is about understated luxury, gastronomy and authentic mountain culture. This area is famous for its excellent restaurants, traditional Ladin cuisine and beautiful mountain huts. Imagine a morning hike followed by an amazing gourmet lunch with spectacular views: that is the kind of day your clients can expect in Alta Badia. In winter, it's also fantastic for skiing, with access to the famous Sella Ronda circuit. We focus more on Corvara, which is a more convenient and lively base, while San Cassiano is particularly appealing to luxury travellers and food lovers. So who is the ideal client for Alta Badia? In my opinion, a couple who loves fine dining, beautiful scenery and a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere.

Then I want to present Val Gardena, one of the most versatile areas of the Dolomites. Our favourite destination here is Ortisei, which has a charming pedestrian centre, lovely shops and easy access to amazing places like Seceda. What makes Val Gardena special is how easily clients can combine outdoor experiences with comfort. They can take a cable car from the town centre to enjoy incredible mountain views, go on a guided walk or explore nearby traditional villages.

Val Pusteria is a little different. It's a large valley with different villages and landscapes, so choosing the right location here is particularly important. Around Brunico and Valdaora, clients can enjoy beautiful hotels, excellent wellness facilities and outdoor experiences around the Plan de Corones, which in winter offers a large ski area. Brunico also has a charming historic centre, so you can combine mountain activities with a little culture and local life. Some of the properties here are particularly interesting for clients looking for a luxury wellness retreat with privacy and time to recharge. This is a destination I'd suggest to couples who want to disconnect, to wellness lovers for sure, and to families who enjoy nature.

Then, last but not least, the Alpe di Siusi. For many years this area was a favourite holiday destination mainly among Italian travellers, but today it is increasingly opening up to the international market. It's one of my favourite areas to suggest when clients want to slow down, because it's the largest high alpine pasture in Europe and the atmosphere here is very different from the other places I've presented. It's wonderful for couples, multigenerational families and clients who want to enjoy gentle outdoor activities. It's also ideal for guests who want a beautiful hotel and a spa, with very little pressure to do anything. One practical detail: access by private vehicle is restricted here, so transfers and daily activities need to be planned carefully and in advance. That's another example of why having a local DMC really makes a difference.

Now I'd love to give you a taste of what the Dolomites have to offer by introducing some of our best selling experiences, activities we particularly love and that our clients enjoy the most. We'll start with summer and autumn.

First, the stargazing experience. It's one of my favourites, but it's not for everyone, and that's probably exactly what makes it so special. It's a truly exclusive evening for curious minds and nature lovers. After a short hike under the mountain sky, a professional astronomer guides your clients through the wonders of the universe, from stars and constellations to distant galaxies. The evening ends with a special dinner surrounded by the magic and silence of the mountains. It's really an unforgettable experience.

Then I'd like to tell you about a special hike on the Lagazuoi. It's a unique experience for those who want to discover a different side of the Dolomites, because beyond the breathtaking views, this walk takes your clients through one of the most fascinating open air historical sites of the First World War. Along the trail they can discover military tunnels carved directly into the rock, trenches and the remains of soldiers' positions, a glimpse into the extraordinary challenges the soldiers faced here. It's an opportunity to connect with the destination on a deeper level and understand the history hidden within these mountains.

Then one of the most requested tours in the Dolomites: bike tours. Exploring the Dolomites by bike is a fantastic experience, because it offers a different perspective on the mountains and their breathtaking scenery. Just keep in mind that not all routes are on asphalt. Many are on dirt or gravel roads, so your clients should feel comfortable riding on these surfaces. Clients can choose between regular mountain bikes and e bikes, which make uphill rides easier, but they are a little heavier, so they need to be comfortable using them.

Then, of course, I want to present the via ferrata experiences, for clients looking for a bit more adventure. Some easier routes are also suitable for families with children from around eight to ten years old, depending on the route and the child's confidence. It offers a real sense of achievement, but it's important to remember that it's not suitable for everyone. It requires a good level of fitness and no fear of heights, and having a professional mountain guide is essential. That's why understanding your clients' needs and working closely with your DMC is so important.

The second most requested tours in the Dolomites are, of course, hiking. It's really important for you to understand that your clients don't need to be experienced hikers to enjoy the mountains. We can create easy hiking experiences for all ages and fitness levels, combining a walk with a jeep transfer or a cable car. This way, some family members can enjoy a walk through the mountains with an alpine guide, while the others reach the same altitude comfortably by jeep or cable car. The best part is that at the end, everyone meets again at the mountain hut, or even at a private lodge like the one in this picture, for a lovely lunch together surrounded by nature. It's all about sharing the experience while allowing everyone in the group to enjoy the mountains at their own pace.

As for winter, you're probably already familiar with the classic winter activities, so rather than going through those in detail, I'd like to focus on one of our signature experiences: our ski safari. A ski safari is much more than simply having a ski instructor for the day. It's a true local experience, like a proper food tour on the slopes: a fun way to discover the mountains beyond the usual ski runs, combining great skiing, local flavours and a little adventure throughout the day.

And finally, something I'd really like to leave with you. Italy is an extraordinary destination, we all know that, but some of our most popular places can be extremely crowded. Sometimes, when we build itineraries, we are so focused on including everything that we forget to leave space for guests to simply enjoy their holiday. This is why I think the Dolomites are such a perfect addition. Imagine a client visiting the most requested cities, like Florence, Venice and Rome, with a few peaceful days in the mountains in between. The contrast can be incredible. It's not just about adding another destination. It's about improving their entire journey.

This is how we approach tailor made travel at Dragonfly Tours. We don't want to create the busiest itinerary, we want to create the right one for your clients: an itinerary that fits their interests, their pace and their expectations. Because sometimes the wow factor isn't another famous attraction. It's an unexpected moment of peace with an extraordinary view that the clients didn't even know they needed. After ten years working with travel advisors, I can tell you that these details are often what really makes the difference.

Now I want to show you one of our itineraries, so you can also see our layout. Here you have the cover with our logo, but of course we will include your logo and remove our brand everywhere. Here you have the title of the itinerary with the clients' names, the dates and duration, and our internal file number. Then there's a quick overview of what they are going to do, and then a full day by day description with beautiful pictures.

In this particular itinerary we are combining the lakes: Lake Garda is particularly close to the Dolomites, so it can be combined quite easily, here with the Grand Hotel Fasano, one of our favourites there. After different activities on the lake, there's a transfer into the Dolomites with a nice stop in Bolzano for a food tour, then the activities I've already talked about, and a free day, which is an absolute must for our Dolomites tours. This tour was for a family, so we added an alpaca experience in the heart of Alta Badia. And the surprise is that we combined this with Sardinia: it was July, and the clients wanted some mountains and some beach, so they flew from Venice to Sardinia.

At the end of the proposal you will find the tour inclusions, and we are very proud of this, because it is really crystal clear. You'll find the accommodation at the beginning, with the names of the hotels, the room types and the number of nights, and then, day by day, each activity included in the proposal.

So thank you so much for joining us on this journey through the Dolomites. I really hope we have given you some inspiration and, most importantly, some useful ideas for your clients. And now we would love to hear from you, so if you have any questions about the Dolomites, about Dragonfly Tours or about how we operate, please ask.

Kelly: Amazing, thank you so much, Giulia. That was a great way to kick off the Q&A. We have lots of questions, so we'll go first come, first served. The first question is from Tammy. She has read about a farm to table lunch on a mountain dairy farm, and about progressive hiking between mountain huts. Is this something you can arrange?

Dragonfly Tours: Yes, of course. We have just presented a few activities, but we have a very large portfolio, so working with us on the itineraries, we can absolutely accommodate any kind of request.

Kelly: Amazing. The next question was from Sherry: do you arrange hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites? You've just said that yes, you do. So Tammy and Sherry, I'll connect you with Giulia and Francesca directly so you can ask any more specific questions. Christina is wondering: do you have any fam trips for agents to try your company? How can agents try out your experiences?

Dragonfly Tours: Of course. We usually organise a fam trip once or twice a year, and we usually include off the beaten path destinations like the Dolomites. We will be in touch with all the travel agents from today if a fam trip to the Dolomites comes up for 2027, with all the instructions to apply.

Kelly: Amazing. The next question is from Carla: which area do you recommend for travellers with no skiing experience?

Giulia: Francesca is the skier, I am the hiker. Even in winter, clients who don't ski can enjoy the Dolomites at their best, for gourmet experiences, nice walks, wellness and any kind of experience that doesn't involve skiing. Maybe one or two members of the family ski, but the rest of the family can enjoy the Dolomites doing lots of other things, so it's not an issue at all.

Dragonfly Tours: Yes, and every destination has different kinds of slopes. For beginners, Ortisei is a good area, for example.

Kelly: Amazing. There are so many questions, I'm trying to make sure I don't lose one. Victoria is asking: for clients flying into Venice and out of Milan, which two or three areas would you recommend combining for a first trip to the Dolomites, to give them different and distinct experiences? And how many nights would you suggest in each?

Dragonfly Tours: If they want to combine the Dolomites with other destinations, I would go with the Cortina area, then transfer with a stop along the way at Lake Garda, maybe at the Grand Hotel Fasano, which is on the Lombardy side of the lake, and then continue to Milan. That way they have shorter drives and really enjoy the most beautiful places in the area. For example, in 12 days they can enjoy Venice for the first time for three days, the Dolomites for four days, then add two days at Lake Garda and end in Milan. Or, for wine lovers, there's an off the beaten path area, Franciacorta, which is quite near and fits well with the itinerary. So they have the city, the mountains, the countryside and wine experiences all together, and 12 or 13 days works well for that.

Kelly: Then we have from Melanie: do you have minimum budgets, and do you allow separate booking of accommodation? This is a great question.

Dragonfly Tours: We don't have a minimum spend for our packages. Of course, if we book the hotels, the travel agents here know how high hotel rates in Italy are at the moment, so it's mostly based on the hotels the clients decide to book. But it's not mandatory at all to book the hotels through us. We can just take care of the land portion, the logistics, tours and activities, and the travel agent can send us the request including the hotels they have already booked for their clients.

Kelly: Victoria is wondering which areas are best if clients want to be in a town with restaurants and shops but have easy access to the mountains.

Giulia: Cortina, for sure, is the best, and Ortisei, because they are villages. Ortisei is quite small, and Cortina is the largest village. I go there every summer, so I'm very familiar with the area. From Cortina there are beautiful activities clients can do straight from the town centre without a car. With a short walk of about ten minutes they can take a cable car up into the mountains, or they can pick up bikes in town and start their bike tour from there. So Cortina is probably the best for this.

During the winter season, Corvara and San Cassiano are the best, because clients can reach the slopes directly from the village, so they don't need to take shuttle buses or anything like that. The villages in the Dolomites are all very well organised. Cortina, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated for skiing, because there are only one or two cable cars from the town centre, so in winter it can be less convenient.

Kelly: Thank you. Krista is wondering what is the minimum number of nights or activities needed to put together an itinerary, for example a post cruise stay from Venice.

Dragonfly Tours: We work a lot with pre and post cruise packages, and I know that changing DMC can be difficult for travel agents who have worked with the same DMC for many years. Four nights is the minimum to enjoy the Dolomites at their best after a cruise in Venice. It takes an hour and a half to three hours to get there, depending on the area they choose, and then they need to stay at least three or four nights to enjoy it and rest a little before going home. So four nights is the best.

Kelly: And does Dragonfly have a minimum number of days or activities needed in order to work together?

Dragonfly Tours: No, we don't work with a minimum. We always just suggest the best for the itinerary. If you want to do one night, it's something we don't suggest, because we know it's not worth it for the clients: checking in at three or four in the afternoon and checking out the next morning, they don't have time to experience the hotel or the neighbourhood. So we don't have a minimum, but we always suggest itineraries with two, three or four nights in each place to experience it at its best, whether that's Rome, Venice or the Dolomites. And to be honest, we are not the right company to book just one hotel stay for two nights and a few transfers. When clients don't want tours and activities and just want some free time, booking the hotel yourself as a travel agent, with transfers through the hotel, is probably the best option.

Kelly: Victoria is wondering which areas have become overcrowded in peak season.

Dragonfly Tours: The Dolomites are in demand, but what makes them different is that even if you find a few more people on the cable car in the morning, everybody then walks at their own pace, some faster, some slower. So during the walks you actually don't meet many people, even in August, which is peak season for the Dolomites.

Kelly: Helen is wondering where she can see sample itineraries, and what the age limit is for children on e bikes. Helen, we will be sending everyone access to what we call our sales toolkit, with sample itineraries and previous presentations from Dragonfly. You'll receive that by tomorrow. And Francesca or Giulia, do you know if there's an age limit for children on e bikes?

Giulia: It depends on their confidence on a bike. For example, my daughter is eight and she is not very comfortable cycling, so I'm not very confident about an e bike for her, but it depends on the child. They need to try it, and the parents need to decide whether their children are comfortable with it.

Kelly: Melanie is wondering, if clients want to stay at mountain huts and are hiking hut to hut, do you take their luggage for them?

Dragonfly Tours: We don't operate many hut to hut experiences. They are beautiful, but most of our clients are a little particular, and these huts are really basic accommodation. There are lots of beautiful places, like Cortina, where clients can have this kind of experience on a day trip, so they don't need to stay overnight. If they want a trip focused entirely on hut to hut hiking, it's something very specific, and our suggestion is to go with someone who specialises in that, because it's not our core.

Kelly: Lisa was wondering, if a client doesn't ski, could they go snowshoeing instead?

Dragonfly Tours: Yes, of course, we have snowshoeing activities. They can meet the skiers on the slopes and have a beautiful lunch together. Everything is really easy.

Kelly: Sounds lovely. Tammy says she knows the region feels large. What about driving time from one area to the next? How much time do clients need to experience different areas of the Dolomites?

Dragonfly Tours: We plan based on the season and the location, choosing the nearest activities, but most activities in the area need at least 30 or 40 minutes of driving to reach the starting point. Some activities start directly in town, with no car needed.

Kelly: On the subject of cars, Melanie is asking whether you recommend renting a car to travel between Dolomites villages, meaning self drive.

Dragonfly Tours: We recommend this option for clients who don't have a big budget, or for clients staying at a remote resort, for example Forestis, which is really popular and I think many of you know. Because these properties are remote, if clients want to go out for dinner or do something in the afternoon, they need a car. It also depends on the length of the trip. If they are staying in the Dolomites for just three or four days with everything planned by us, they don't really need a car, because the roads can be slippery and snowy, and it's not easy to drive there, especially in winter. If they are spending a week or more, it may be something we suggest.

Kelly: Going back to the question about guests flying into Venice and out of Milan. If we take Venice and Milan out of the days, because they're only flying in and out and have been there before, which two or three villages in the Dolomites would make sense on that route, and how long would you recommend staying in each?

Dragonfly Tours: I worked on a similar itinerary last week, and my clients were landing in Venice. We can transfer them directly to Cortina, because it's only a two hour drive. They stayed in Cortina for four nights, then Ortisei for four nights, and then Lake Garda for a couple of nights. We normally recommend staying overnight in the city they fly out of, so one night in Milan is really recommended, but if they prefer, they can also travel early in the morning from Lake Garda to the airport.

Kelly: Jean is wondering if you provide line item costing that can be shared with clients, like a pricing breakdown.

Dragonfly Tours: No, we can't itemise each single service included. We normally split just the hotels and the activities package.

Kelly: Perfect. Aileen is wondering if there are any resorts that are particularly family friendly.

Dragonfly Tours: Lots of them. It's a real family destination. As Italians, we go to the mountains every summer, in August, because that's when we go on holiday, and in winter too. In Ortisei, one of the most famous is the Cavallino Bianco, a four star hotel where you can't book if you don't have children. It's super nice. They even have a small concierge desk with steps so the children can reach it. It's all focused on kids.

Kelly: I love that. We have a few more questions, and I want to be mindful of everyone's time, so we'll cap it at these last two or three. You mentioned long standing relationships with local suppliers. How do these partnerships make an impact on the itinerary?

Dragonfly Tours: The advantage we have is that most of our suppliers have worked with us forever, so they know the Dragonfly Tours standard perfectly, and our clients are like gems for them, because maybe ten years ago we were the first to work with them. So they really care about our clients. We really believe it's all about people and the human relationships you can have with them. Especially in Italy, a personal relationship can really open many doors: "Oh, that's my friend, don't worry, you can have a table." So we really value the relationships with our suppliers and with our travel advisors, and that's the mix that makes us shine.

Kelly: Beautiful. And Michelle is wondering what happens if something unexpected comes up while clients are travelling. What's your contingency plan, and how do you communicate with clients and advisors?

Giulia: As I said at the beginning of the presentation, we always assign one of our travel designers here at Dragonfly Tours to each travel advisor. Of course we have an emergency number, but the emergency contact is the same person who built the package with you for your clients. It's not one person handling all the emergencies at the weekend for the whole office. We have a rule that each of us takes care of only four or five clients on the ground at the same time. Because we are a boutique DMC, we are still a size that allows us to take care of the small details. So if your clients need something, they have WhatsApp or iMessage for their travel designer, a person who knows everything about their trip, including any allergies or mobility needs.

At the beginning of a new relationship with a travel advisor, we create a WhatsApp group chat. But after the first client, advisors understand how we handle these situations, and when we ask whether they want to be in the WhatsApp group, they say, "Absolutely not, you take care of them."

Kelly: Perfect. Amazing. I have one question for each of you: what is your favourite memory of the Dolomites?

Francesca: For me, it's skiing, and then having a glass of wine under the snow, at night, at the top of the mountain. It's amazing.

Kelly: Beautiful. And you, Giulia?

Giulia: For me, since I go every summer, it's seeing my daughter improve every year on her hikes. She started at three years old and now she is eight, and every year she does something more. And me too: I had never been to the Dolomites until about five years ago, and now it's like an obsession for me. The sense of achievement you have while hiking and being in the mountains is so beautiful.

Kelly: Well, thank you both so much for your time, and thank you to everyone listening for all your questions. I think that was probably the most questions we've ever had in a webinar, so that's amazing. We will share the recording, the slides, sample itineraries and all the information with everyone today. You'll receive that by tomorrow, along with Francesca and Giulia's contact details, so you can go direct to them with any trip requests or questions. Giulia, I know you're so good at getting on calls with advisors to answer questions and share information, so please feel free to reach out. You can also contact me directly at kelly@travelkinship.com, and we will be in touch within the next 24 hours with all the information from today's call. Thank you, everyone.

Dragonfly Tours: Thank you, everyone.

Connect me with Dragonfly Tours

Visit the Dragonfly Tours website